Coronavirus Update #113

Opening Visitation & Resuming Activities Document and Keeping People Connected

It is important to protect the health and safety of residents and staff in long-term care communities as activities begin to resume and centers develop their own plans for implementation. These protections need to be balanced with supporting residents’ engagement in their most meaningful activities and connection s. We know that many of you are currently in the process of working to develop protocol for resuming activities.

Our partners at AHCA/NCAL have put together an Opening Visitation and Resuming Activities document intended to provide a framework as we work with the State to develop plans for nursing homes and assisted living communities. The document is not a model plan, nor a comprehensive solution. Instead it is intended as a reference point for key areas to address. You and your teams can use the document as you work to resume activities in your centers in a safe, productive and applicable way.

 

AHCA/NCAL also put together a document entitled, “Keeping People Connected: Innovative Methods Using an Infection Prevention & Control Mindset.” Throughout this pandemic, providers have been using new ways to connect residents and patients with their loved ones remotely, such as through the use of technology. Providers can use an infection control and prevention mindset to help come up with innovative methods of keeping residents connected. This document contains a list of ideas to start the innovative brainstorming process.

 

If you have any questions relating to either of these documents, please email [email protected].

Additional Resources and Guidance

AHCA/NCAL

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Maryland Department of Health

Mental Health Association of Maryland

AMDA Guidance

AARP